It was the miracle that no-one had expected: a sunny, cloudless day that arrived after weeks of inclement weather, and just in time for the 60th annual Indian Bazaar, which was hosted by St Ignatius’ College, Riverview last weekend.

‘I thought the bazaar was magnificent’, said Fr Phil Crotty SJ, the Director of Jesuit Mission as he thanked God and the prayers of his predecessors Frs Tom O’Donovan and Gerry Drumm for the good weather that seems to grace the event each year.

Helping to celebrate the special milestone was the Provincial of Hazaribag in India, Fr Francis Kurien SJ. Visiting Australia for the first time, he was joined by Australian Jesuits Fr Geoff Meagher and Fr Tom Keogh, who both work in India. The bazaar was established 60 years ago to generate support for the mission in Hazaribag, which had been established by a group of Australian and New Zealand Jesuits.

‘We look forward to this date in Hazaribag – all the Jesuits are very aware of it, and we pray for its success’, said Fr Kurien.

‘And we are aware that we’re now supporting many of the missionaries where Jesuit Mission is involved: Cambodia, Myanmar, East Timor, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Africa and the Australian Indigenous mission.’

The proceeds from the Indian Bazaar – Jesuit Mission’s largest fundraising event – go to support its projects in these countries, and are generated through a range of stalls, auctions, raffles and even a talent competition. A wide range of devoted co-missionaries, - including so many parents and friends of a number of Jesuit and Ignatian schools - work hard throughout the year to contribute to the success of the event.